Marcie Ryken, a California native, has over 25 years of professional dance experience. At age 16, she began her professional career with San Francisco Ballet. While there, she competed and won 4th place in the International Ballet Competition at Jackson, Mississippi.
After seeing her in a performance in Texas, Ben Stevenson, director of Houston Ballet, invited her to become a company member. When an opportunity presented for directing the dance program at Fresno State University, Marcie was excited to return to her roots and passion for dance.
She also accepted the role of ballet mistress at California Central Ballet, continuing her service and development of young aspiring artists. In addition to performing, Marcie was delighted to accept teaching and mentoring opportunities throughout the Bay Area. During her professional career, Marcie discovered and integrated Pilates training, which benefited her performance and increased the longevity of her career. Continuing her passion for movement and efforts towards improving body mechanics, Marcie founded Los Gatos Pilates in downtown Los Gatos in She later received her Franklin Method certification, which is an essential component for movement educators, especially in the field of dance.
Her passion and love for dance continued through arts education, using dance as a platform to nurture, challenge, and empower. In , Ms Ryken founded Los Gatos Ballet Foundation which further supports the performing arts in the community by inspiring and cultivating appreciation and love for dance through quality education and training program, superb performances and collaboration with other arts organizations. Los Gatos Ballet is committed to providing a curriculum that incorporates mind, body, spirit wellness.
Through conscious awareness, the dancers are able to cultivate patterns that support alignment on all levels. Marcie Ryken.
